List Of World Heritage Sites in India
Since 1972, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention has been protecting natural sites around the world. And talking about India, it is the 6th country in the world with the most heritage sites.
Talking about world heritage sites in India, there are around 42 worthy places. From caves, palaces, and forts to ancient places, these are a must-see. Furthermore, here is the list of world heritage sites in India.
World Heritage Sites in India
Taj Mahal
Established in 1983, the Taj Mahal is located in Agra. Popularly known as the symbol of Love, it is a mausoleum made of ivory white marble. Its beautiful garden, large arch-shaped gates, gemstone-clad walls and architecture are worth seeing once in a lifetime.
This impeccable beauty represents the architectural styles of Mughal, Indian, Persian and Islamic. It is also known as the Jewel of Muslim Art in India and falls under One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Agra Fort
Established in 1983, Agra Fort is located in Agra. It is a Mughal monument and popularly known as the Red Fort of Agra. This architectural masterpiece is made of sandstone.
There are many masterpieces inside like Diwan-E-Khas, Diwan-E-Aam, Moti Masjid, Khas Mahal and more. This is another name in the list of world heritage sites in India that is worth watching.
Ellora Caves
Established in 1983, Ellora Caves is located in Maharashtra. It consists of temples, 34 monasteries and a series of historical monuments. Besides, there are more than 100 caves, large victory towers, sculptures, elephant statues, paintings, etc.
The Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples and sculptures highlight the faith and beliefs. Besides, the excavated sites here are Charanandri Hills, Buddhist Hindu, etc. This is yet another name in the list of famous heritage sites in India.
Ajanta Caves
Established in 1983, Ajanta Caves is located in Maharashtra. There are around 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, statues as well as figures. Additionally, there are walls with numerous paintings, monuments, murals as well as sculptures.
The carvings and sculptures reveal the life of Buddha, marking the beginning of Indian classical art. It is listed among the first heritage places in India.
Mahabalipuram Monuments
Established in 1984, Mahabalipuram Monuments is located in Tamil Nadu. This open-air monument illustrates Indian architecture. Its major attractions are the Descent of Ganges and various rock-cut monuments. From rock reliefs, chariots, Hindu temples to mandapas, there are around 40 small as well as large monuments.
The various temples here are The Pancha Rathas Temples, Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram and Ganesha Ratha. Besides, it also has structural temples like the Shore Temple and Olakkannesvara Temples.
Sun Temple
Established in 1984, Sun Temple is located in Orissa. It represents the architecture of Kalinga and is renowned as the Black Pagoda. It has the shape of a gigantic chariot and the pillars, carved stone wheel as well as walls are worth seeing.
This stone-made chariot of Lord Saurya is hauled by 7 horses and has 3 idols of the Lord Sun. This is the largest Brahmin sanctuary in India and is listed among the popular heritage places in India.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1985, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Assam. It is the first and a biosphere reserve. This iconic wildlife sanctuary is home to animals as well as endemic animals.
The lush green forest is relaxing here. You can spot animals like one-horned rhinoceros, roofed turtles, barking deer, Assam roofed turtles, Hispid hare, Golden langur, leopards, Red panda and more.
Kaziranga National Park
Established in 1985, Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam. This rich natural landmark spans over a land of 430 sq km. It is home to diverse flora and fauna. Besides, there are also streams, forests, lakes and more.
A special attraction here is the resident one-horned rhinoceros. You can also spot other species of birds and animals such as tigers, buffaloes, swamp deer, elephants, Gangetic dolphins and more. This is also included in the list of world heritage sites in India.
Keoladeo National Park
Established in 1985, Keoladeo National Park is located in Rajasthan. Earlier, it was formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. This bird-watching hotspot is home to over 350 bird species and 380 different plants as well as fishes and mammals.
Moreover, during the winter months, you can spot migratory birds from different corners of the world like China, Serbia, Afghanistan and more.
Monuments of Hampi
Established in 1986, Monuments of Hampi is located in Karnataka. It is one of the grand architectural styles of India and has 1,600 structures.
Additionally, there are temples, halls, forts, shrines, museums, gateways, etc. The worth seeing monuments here are the Palace of Harihara, Vittala temple, Lotus Mahal, etc.
Churches and Convents of Goa
Established in 1986, Churches and Convents of Goa is located in Goa. It shows the lavish architectural styles of Baroque and Portuguese Mannerist. It is a popular spot when it comes to the religious and cultural heritage of India.
Inside it are many churches each having beautiful architectural forms such as the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Church of Saint Cajetan and its seminary, Saint Catherine’s Chapel, etc.
Monuments of Khajuraho
Established in 1986, Monuments of Khajuraho is located in Madhya Pradesh. The temples are dedicated to Jainism and Hinduism. This agricultural masterpiece represents the rich style of Nagara.
This unique heritage site is popular for portraying the rich cultural heritage of India. There are 85 temples out of which you can explore only 20. However, the most prominent and important temple is The Kandariya temple. Additionally, there are temples, monuments, sculptures as well as figurines.
Fatehpur Sikri
Established in 1986, Fatehpur Sikri is located in Agra. It is a beautiful Indo-Islamic masterpiece and the long walls are worth seeing. It constitutes 4 main monuments- The Jama Masjid, The Buland Darwaza and others.
There are other noble structures too such as Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, Palace of Jodha Bai, Buland Darwaza as well as Jama Mosque. All these Mughal buildings are considered notable.
Sundarbans National Park
Established in 1987, Sundarbans National Park is located in West Bengal. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and has large mangrove forests and marshy lands. It is also home to 170 species of birds and house to many animals.
The major attraction here is the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and you can spot other animals like flying foxes, Gangetic dolphins, saltwater crocodiles, wild boars, king crabs and more.
Elephanta Caves
Established in 1987, Elephanta Caves is located in Maharashtra. It is locally known as Gharapuri caves and has 7 caves. There are 2 series of caves among which 5 are Hindu idols and sculptures while the other 2 are Buddhist architecture.
However, Cave 1 is the most important of all caves. Besides, the archaeological remains highlight the culture of Indian civilization. This is yet another worth mentioning popular heritage sites in India.
Great Living Chola Temples
Established in 1987, Great Living Chola Temples is located in Tamil Nadu. It has a collection of 3 temples that represent architectural and artistic achievements. Reflecting the culture and heritage of Tamilians, many festivals and rituals are held in these living temples.
The temples inside are Airavatesvara temple, Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur and Brihadisvara temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. These are the most important temples here and highlight the beauty of Chola art.
Pattadakal Monuments
Established in 1987, Pattadakal Monuments is located in Karnataka. The monument here represents the Chalukyan art. 8 Hindu temples are dedicated to Jain, Lord Shiva and Shaivite sanctuaries.
It also has other famous monuments such as Chandrashekhara temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, Virupaksha temple and more.
Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Park
Established in 1988, Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Park is located in Uttarakhand. It is the second highest mountain in India. This enchanting wilderness and rich biodiversity spot spans across an area of 630 sq kms.
It is home to unique flora, fauna, colorful butterflies, plants, trees as well as flowers. Besides, don't miss out the picturesque sight of the 87 sq km wide Valley of Flowers which is home to alpine flowers like orchids, daisies and more.
Monuments of Buddha
Established in 1989, Monuments of Buddha is located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the oldest stone-made architecture and Buddhist sanctuaries. It has a large dome.
There are many rock-carved palaces, temples, monolithic pillars as well as monasteries. Due to its high religious importance, it is listed in the world heritage sites in India.
Qutub Minar and its Monuments
Established in 1993, Qutub Minar and its Monuments is located in Delhi. It is home to a 73 meter high minaret and is an Indo-Islamic architecture. It is considered as the highest tower in India, representing Islamic architecture.
In addition to the tall tower, there are other historical structures too such as Alai Minar, funerary buildings, Iron Pillar, Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, Alai-Darwaza, etc.
Humayum's Tomb
Established in 1993, Humayum’s Tomb is located in Delhi. It is the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the tomb is of iconic Persian-styled.
This Mughal mausoleum has 4 Persian style gardens and there are graves of royal descendants too. The different monuments here are many such as the tombs of Isa Khan Niyazi.
Western Ghats
Established in 2012, Western Ghats is located in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It is spread over an area of 1,60,000 sq km and ranges from various national parks, reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
It is also a biodiversity hotspot and is home to many species of mammals, birds, insects, fish and amphibians. You can also spot flowering and non-flowering plants and there are over 320 endangered species of flora and fauna.
Rani Ki Vav
Established in 2014, Rani Ki Vav ( The Queen's Stepwell) is located in Gujarat. It was built in the memory of Kings and represents Ancient Indian architecture. The stepped corridors, stone carvings and sculptures are worth seeing.
The sculptures are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Vav has spiritual importance. Moreover, the 7 levels of wells have religious importance. In 2014, it was declared as one of the best heritage places in India.
Khangchendzonga National Park
Established in 2016, Khangchendzonga National Park is located in Sikkim. It is also known as Kanchenjunga National Park and spans over a land of 850 sq km. It has Kanchenjunga Peak- the 3rd highest peak in the world.
It is a beautiful spot and is popular for its flora and fauna. It is a must visit location especially for trekking enthusiasts as there are trekking routes available. Here you can also spot snow leapord occasionally.
Gothic-Victorian and Art-Deco Ensembles
Established in 2018, Gothic-Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles is located in Mumbai. It has several Art-Deco and public buildings and represents the architectural style of neo-gothic.
The east side of the ground has gothic architecture such as the University of Mumbai, the Bombay High Court, David Sassoon Library and more. Besides, the opposite side has Art-Deco architectures such as residential buildings.
Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple
Established in 2021, Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple is located in Telangana. This beautiful sandstone temple represents the Vesara architectural style.
The temple is a popular religious spot and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Don't miss seeing the 9 feet long Shivalinga which is beautifully placed on a 6 feet long pedestal.
Other UNESCO world Heritage Sites in India
Here are some other worthy and valuable world heritage sites in India :
Mountain Railways of Darjeeling, Kalka Shimla & Nilgiri- 1999, Darjeeling
Mahabodhi Temple- 2002, Bihar
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters- 2003, Madhya Pradesh
Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park- 2004, Gujarat
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus- 2004, Maharashtra
Red Fort- 2007, Delhi
Jantar Mantar- 2010, Delhi
Hill Forts- 2013, Rajasthan
Great Himalayan National Park- 2014, Himachal Pradesh
Nalanda- 2016, Bihar
Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex)- 2016, Chandigarh
The Historic City- 2017, Ahmedabad
The Pink City- 2019, Jaipur
Dholavira- 2021, Gujarat
Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somananthpura- 2023, Karnataka
Santiniketan- 2023, West Bengal
